Division of Forestry

Grant Opportunities and Applications

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The Division of Forestry works in cooperation with several other entities to provide grant opportunities for the purpose of protecting and enhancing the forest resources of Kentucky. Historically, grant funding has been available to volunteer fire departments and communities for the purpose of wildland fire protection and to communities for the purpose of urban and community forestry projects. Scroll down for specific information about these grants. Assistance to Volunteer Fire Departments

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, formerly known as the rural community fire protection program, provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. VFA grants are available on an annual basis and applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year. Grant recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Grant funds ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through a 50/50 reimbursement system. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFA grant funding include: Nomex clothing, pumps, hoses, tanks, fire shelters, small fire suppression equipment and personal protective equipment.

The 2015 VFA Grant Application is now available, click here for the application. To view the list of fire departments that received grant funds, click on the 2014 Volunteer Fire Department Grant Recipients link. For more information and assistance regarding the grants, contact Mike Harp, fire management program specialist, at 800-866-0555.

Urban and Community Forestry Grants

The Forestry Title of the 1990 Farm Bill included authorization for the America the Beautiful program, which has historically provided funding for the Kentucky Division of Forestry's Urban and Community Forestry Grant program. The division administers this program in cooperation with the Kentucky Urban Forestry Council for the purpose of encouraging and supporting long-term and sustained Urban and Community Forestry programs.

E-mail Sarah Gracey and request to be added to the Tree Line Newsletter list serv to stay apprised of other grant opportunities.​

Kentucky Firewise Community Grants

The Kentucky Division of Forestry, in cooperation of the USDA Forest Service, is pleased to announce the 2014 Kentucky Firewise Community Grant Program. Grants may be awarded for projects to reduce the wildfire risk and/or hazard in Kentucky's wildland/urban interface communities. Grant priority will be given based on community-at-risk level, establishment of a local Firewise Council of Board, and type of project submitted. The grant cycle is now closed for the 2014 Kentucky Firewise Community Grant Program.